CQUniversity Position Statement - Referendum on the Voice to Parliament

CQUniversity acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the many lands on which we are privileged to work and learn, and we pay respect to the First Nations Peoples and their Elders, past and present.

The CQUniversity community is committed to a journey of reconciliation and respect, and we believe that this can only be achieved when we are empowered to work together to understand each other and create change. That is why the Council and Executive of CQUniversity supports the Voice to Parliament.

We recognise and acknowledge the important decision-making process the Australian people will be a part of as they vote in the Referendum. As part of our commitment to the Uluru Statement of the Heart, that we proudly endorsed in 2020, CQUniversity also acknowledges that we can – and must – use our social impact as educators and researchers to enrich our communities by participating in the national dialogue for constitutional reform. 

In the lead up to this important event in our nation’s history, we will respect the democratic process, while we advocate for change and a shared understanding. We will work together to share information and resources with our stakeholders and demonstrate why a constitutionally enshrined voice will improve the representation of Indigenous Australians by providing opportunities for meaningful consultation, when it comes to advising on policy and legislation that affects them. In doing so, we will facilitate and engage in discussions that are reflective of our university values and ensure that all dialogue is respectful and constructive, while being underpinned by academic freedom and a commitment to the cultural safety of our people, including our staff, students, alumni, and valued community partners. 

We will do this because we wholeheartedly support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as they work to realise the powerful aspirations of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. As a university we are determined to help shape a future based on cultural equity across all aspects of society. We will not hide from the reality of the past. We will accept the significance of our shared history with First Nations Peoples, and we will walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in our shared duty of ensuring rightful recognition in the Australian constitution.